64 kg max (dog + crate, cargo)
Airline dog policy
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus, Ireland's national airline, does not accept pets in the passenger cabin on any flight. Pets must travel as cargo, handled through IAG Cargo (the same cargo division used by British Airways). This is an important limitation for dog owners planning travel to or from Ireland, as it means even small dogs cannot fly in the cabin with you. Aer Lingus accepts domesticated dogs, cats, and rabbits (Europe only) as cargo, with transport arranged through an approved pet agent.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
Since Aer Lingus does not handle pets at the passenger check-in desk, all arrangements must be made through IAG Cargo or an approved freight forwarder. North American customers should contact the Aer Lingus North American Pet Desk at 1-866-300-4004 or email petdesk@iagcargo.com. Plan well in advance — cargo pet bookings typically require at least 5–7 business days lead time, and documentation must be pre-approved before travel.
Why it can work
While the cargo-only policy is restrictive, Aer Lingus provides a reliable and established cargo service through IAG, which is one of the world's largest air cargo providers. This is particularly relevant for UK-Ireland pet moves, where the shared PETS travel scheme simplifies documentation. Dublin (DUB) is a major European hub with connections to North America, making it a viable routing point for transatlantic pet relocations to Europe.
Restrictions
No cabin pets on any flight. No checked baggage pet service. Pets must be at least 10 weeks old (15 weeks for rabies-eligible travel). Breed restrictions apply — Pit Bull Terrier, Rottweiler, Japanese Tosa, Mastiff, Akita, and several others are banned. Brachycephalic breeds including Bulldogs, Boxers, Pugs, Persians, and Exotic Shorthairs are restricted. Cargo holds on A321neo LR aircraft are not ventilated, so pets cannot fly on these planes.
Dog-owner notes
The A321neo LR restriction is critical — this aircraft operates many of Aer Lingus's transatlantic routes to the US. Verify the aircraft type for your route before booking cargo pet transport. Aer Lingus's main hub is Dublin (DUB), with additional services from Cork, Shannon, and Belfast. IAG Cargo handles all live animal logistics. Irish pet import requirements follow EU regulations (microchip, rabies, EU Pet Passport or third-country veterinary certificate).
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.